The Lies We Tell by Katie Zhao Trigger warning: Stalking, murder, hate crime, racism, kidnapping. Age rating:14+ Overall rating: 4.75 out of 5 Gernes: Young Adult, Mystery. A spoiler free summary Anna wants to start a new at her local university. She wants to excel academically and create new friendships, all while ignoring her childhood academic rival, Chris Lu. But there is another reason which has brought her here, the unsolved murder of her former babysitter enraptures her in morbid fascination. When the Lu bakery is attacked, Anna links it to the unsolved crime and she can’t help but feel its underlining motives and is forcefully drawn to Chris. After feeling threatened and no longer comfortable in her own school, the two come together to figure out who and what is behind these targeted attacks. Review I quite enjoyed this novel, rather simple in its nature but appreciated that it discussed heavy themes that are incredibly relevant today. The beginning of the novel was more on the slower side and the real mystery began about one third of the way through. The two main characters, Anna and Chris are very likable and were especially relatable to me. I loved seeing the representation in the novel but also with the dark and sad side that comes with living in a country such as America where being Asian is the minority. As the story follows a string of hate crimes, from murder to stalking, it reflects the spike in hate crimes against people of Asian descent during beginning the covid pandemic [and onwards]. Katie incorporated real life situations that everyone has lived through/seen on social media. She shines a light on these issues through a dark novel and reveals the fear some of us may have. It pulls focus to it and for especially people who have never been a minority shows the thinking and inner feelings of the characters, which is unfortunately still very relevant today. Though some may disagree, I appreciated that romance did not play a major role in the story, although the blurb was a little miss leading. The parents of Anna and Chris were not forgotten and are some of the primary characters in this story, it thoroughly explores the stereotypical expectations and the inner rivalry to achieve the best thing possible out of everyone present. The writing is simple and easy to understand yet intriguing, the story is slower paced at the beginning but may still be a good read for those in a reading slump. Depending on the expectations one may have for the novel, the rating may differ on social media, many made it seemed to have academic rivals to lovers which is true but it should not be the sole reason to read this novel as it is not a large component of the novel. Yet again, I was quite excited to read a novel by Katie Zhao and it did not disappoint. I was also able to really appreciate the reference to How We Fall Apart, a small nod to the other novel. The reference to a music group was a fun find in the novel, which speaks to the comfort and energy artists can give someone in hard times no matter the genre. Another personal point to mention, while I was reading this novel, there was almost a parallel universe type thing which might have inspired a short story [if I can get to it]. Quotes “There was someone there with her, and yet, she had never been more alone.” “That was one of the first things I looked from whenever I was a new setting, and seeing that the crowd wasn’t totally white was reassuring.” “I didn’t feel safe being me any longer, and I wondered if I would feel comfortable in my own skin ever again.” Recommendations If you are looking for a medium paced mystery centralised on racism while pursuing higher education this book is for you. It focuses on two main characters navigating a period of time riddled in hate crimes and racism. Although the book starts off as medium paced novel, the last half quickens up and the book will be over before you know it. Pros Explores relevant issues of racism and hate crimes especially spiking during the height of the covid pandemic. The main characters are Asian and discuss some of the family dynamics as well. Cons Wished the novel was longer so we could see more of the character growth. A trigger warning would have been good, especially since it discusses topics that are very relevant today and may be triggering for some. The blurb is a little misleading as it hints towards a more dramatic rivals to lovers trope for the two main characters and this can lead people to have different expectations. Note: I read this back in January but still wanted to post a review since I had been waiting for this book to be released.
Tag: #bookreccomendation
Loveboat, Taipei by Abigail Hing Wen
Loveboat, Taipei Trigger warning: Racism, internalised racism, stereotyping. Age rating:14+ Overall rating: 5.2 out of 5 Genres: Young Adult, contemporary romance. A spoiler free summary Ever Wong is unexpectedly sent away by her parents to Taipei. She arrives anticipating a strict educational program, but she could not be more wrong. The Loveboat is place where adults are “oblivious” to the continuous nightlife and hook-ups. Will this be Ever’s chance to be who she wants to be and give her the courage to chase her actual dreams rather than her parent’s expectations? Review I loved Loveboat, Taipei so much, there were so many moments where I was really able to connect to the main characters. This book was one I annotated quite a lot [I’m not really an annotating reader] for the first time in a while and I really related to many of the thoughts and feelings of the main character, such as feeling too Asian in one environment and not Asian enough in another. It made my heart swell with seeing so much representation in one novel, it felt as if the author was trying to fit as many different East Asian voices as she could to make up for the lack of representation in the literary world and this novel definitely should receive more hype. It did have some clichés and stereotypes throughout the novel but all of which are unfortunately still binding to Asians in the real world. The author, though her characters really unpacked some of it conveying a message to readers that it is okay to not be part of the stereotypes but it’s also okay to be part of them as well, also expressing sometimes it is not completely the parents’ faults either but rather society’s expectations. The romance gives slight enemies to lovers energy and the friendships were so precious and makes it more heart breaking when something unexpected happens. Even the characters I did not particular liked grew on me and I was able to appreciate their roles in the story. The writing style not insanely complex but it is very well written and descriptive, it is also quite a fast paced novel and has a reasonable amount of dialogue. The main focus of the story is coming to terms with one’s identity and what that means to the main character while exploring romance and finding friends who are like you. It is nice to see that family is not forgotten about, especially since Young Adult novels often do and are mentioned throughout the novel showing the importance of family to the main character even if they hold her back from pursuing her dreams. I also love when authors add a note to the reader whether it is a dedication or in the acknowledgements, but the author added a page giving background information and a thank you to the reader which I appreciate. Throughout the novel she added a random fact perfect to the storyline and I enjoy that you can learn something like that from a novel. I am very much looking forward to reading the second novel but am a little sad to see it is not from Ever’s perspective but of Sophie’s since I grew quite attached to Ever. In other views Sophie will definitely be an interesting character to see her thoughts so I’m sure “Loveboat, Reunion” will be a fantastic read as this one. Overall, I really loved this novel, especially the representation as well as family dynamics and connecting friendships. Quotes “you don’t do anything to draw attention to your asianess,” “my parents would slit their throats for my happiness, and in return my future is their future.” “I don’t know a soul here but, in this moment, the loneliness I feel is overridden by the larger strangeness of blending in.” “even among a horde of Chinese Americans I’m not Chinese American enough.” “I opened my lunch box to shrieks of horrified, “what are those?” and I begged my mom not to pack me any more weird Chinese food.” “we need to take back these stereotypes.” “I’m not the only one taking charge of my identity this summer.” “I used to avoid looking in the mirror with my Caucasian friends, because my eyes seemed small in comparison.” Recommendations Looking to find Asian representation, this book is for you. It heavy explores being Asian and the pressures/stereotypes it comes with as well as growing into the person you are meant to be. Pros Explores family dynamics, finding friends who are the same as you, coming to terms with one’s identity and a “unexpected” sweet romance. Cons Nothing in particular at this moment.
The Best Lies by Sarah Lyu
The Best Lies by Sarah Lyu Trigger warning: obsessive friendship, toxic relationships, child abuse, death\murder. Age rating: 14+ Overall rating: 4.8 out of 5. Genres: Young Adult, psychological thriller. A spoiler free summary Remy Tsai knew what every day looked like. She used to be content, with Jack, her boyfriend, and her best friend Elsie, who understood her in every way, like no other. But within one night everything changed. Jack, shot, is now dead and Elise was the one to pull the trigger. As a police investigation takes place, Remy must sift through her own memories to look for the truth. Was it self-defence? Or something that could destroy the one friendship that meant everything to her. Review The best lies was a really enjoyable read, an unexpected one to be honest. The author’s writing is simple yet there were many golden moments that were both relatable and devastating. The alternating timeline may have been a little confusing at times as many novels which use concurrent time line are usually, but it allowed for a better understanding of the mentality of the main character, Remy. What initial attracted me to the novel was the fact there was an Asian main character and that the novel was not a fantasy one and I really appreciated that race was not the character’s “flaw” or overcoming nature and was rather a part of them. I loved how the story explored the nature of friendships and the obsessive behaviour which evolved from trauma [in this novel] was not completely unrealistic, but rather something that was blown up and dramatized. The toxic side of family in relation to immigrants and the “perfect family” with the romanticised “American dream” was well addressed and which is unfortunately very real for many, even if that is not the parents’ intentions. I enjoyed how happiness was not forced throughout the book and this definitely affected the ending as well. Something about a best friendship that ends in tragedy is touchingly disturbing to anyone as friendships are part of the human experience which many people crave. Overall, I really enjoyed the novel and took great pleasure in seeing the disaster of romanticising friendships through trauma connection and support when no one is there for you. Quotes “Love is the weapon they wield when it suits them, the justification for everything they do.” “But then there is the first one, the very first trauma, and isn’t that where everyone’s story begins?” “What hurt the most was knowing that she was enough for me, but I wasn’t enough for her.” “Her pain doesn’t diminish my pain. It’s a false dichotomy.” “Suffering isn’t romantic. It’s just painful.” Recommendations If you are looking for a disturbing novel in which friendships can go very wrong written through concurrent timelines and the truth of how trauma effects everyone differently, this novel is for you. Pros: The main character was Asian; it explored the idea of the American dream for immigrant families and the struggles that come with presenting as the “perfect” family and how some relationships aren’t meant to be. Cons: Nothing in particular sticks out.
These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong.
These violent delights by Chloe Gong Trigger warning: violence, guns, knives, trauma, death, insects, gore, discrimination. Age rating: 14+ Overall rating: 5.6 out of 5. Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Retelling. A spoiler free summary In 1920’s Shanghai the streets run red with blood between two gangs: the scarlet gang and the white flowers. A constant blood feud beginning generations ago is stronger than ever. Juliette Cai is at the heart of the scarlets, the eighteen-year-old, a former flapper returns to assume her role as the heir. The Scarlet gang’s only rival is the white flowers whose heir, Roma Montagov is Juliette’s first love and betrayal… But when people show signs of madness and start clawing at their own throats, death stacks up but when both gangs are affected, Juliette and Roma must put their weapons and resentments aside to stop this chaos or there will be no city left for either of them to rule… Review These violent delights was such an amazing read! It was written elegantly; the descriptions flowed and carried the story. The author’s writing style reminded me a little of the way classic authors write but take out the bad parts, modernise it to fit young adult and she added her own unique spin. I loved everything about this novel, the characters, the relationships, the chemistry, the setting, the atmosphere, and I was extremely excited to read the sequel. There was a time when this book was circulating the media and I would say it deserves the hype it got. This book really takes you on an emotional rollercoaster in a way you may not expect, the chemistry between every single character was spectacular. This novel was written in third person with dual perspectives of Roma and Juliette which really showcased their enemies to lover’s trope, as well as other occasional sections written from the semi-main/side characters contributing unexpectedly well to the overall story line. This book [and our violent ends] particularly stood out to me because of its Asian rep and the in-depth personalities of those characters showed me I was capable of being just as strong as them. This is one of the first books I read with Asian main characters\protagonists [especially in the historical, fantasy] which is extremely sad I wasn’t able to find novels with people who looked like me without it fitting into stereotypes. The unforgettable characters made it impossibly hard to leave their world behind [especially after the sequel]. The fact that it was a fantasy novel with a large Asian cast made me feel so happy to be seen represented. There were many lovely characters, even the smaller side ones made sense to the story and added impacted to the over arcing storylines and character development. The mix of cultures added something that is very real in today’s age, the fact where everywhere you go there is a diverse range of people. I really enjoyed the use of multiple languages, there were some moments where I had to reread over a bit but the author cleverly wove them in and when the characters spoke those languages in a loving way it made it such a large impact. The list of characters I loved were endless, so I won’t be naming them. There was lgbtqia+ rep found in the side characters, but it wasn’t the characters’ main personality, it was just a part of them which I loved and appreciated. Overall, I loved this book, and it gave me the best sense of emotions, Chloe gong’s writing style is something I wish to explore more and am very excited for Chloe’s future works. This novel also made me feel represented in the fantasy/historical fiction realm and it just makes you feel like anything is possible with the Asian representation I have lacked in literature. Quotes “We stay quiet about the injustice of all this simply because it hurts his feelings?” “Too many kind hearts turn cold every day.” “You destroy me, and you kiss me. You give me reason to hate you and then you give me reason to love you. Is this a lie or the truth? Is this a ploy or your heart reaching for me?” “Hope was the most vicious evil of them all, the thing that had managed to thrive in a pandora’s box among misery, and disease, and sadness – and what could endure alongside others with such teeth if it didn’t have ghastly claws of its own?” “It is a sound that exists incongruous with the rest of the anxiety seeping along this city’s arteries.” Recommendations An enemies to lovers duology in an intensity filled environment with rebellion, gangsters and a blood feud set in an imaginative world and ribboned in by the author’s incredible beautiful writing ready to take you on an emotional roller-coaster. Pros: Asian and lgbtqia+ (side characters) rep. How much the novel took me on an emotional rollercoaster, how uniquely well the novel/s were written and the Romeo and Juliet retelling. Cons Nothing, absolutely nothing, it is perfect as it is.
Haikus based on How We Fall Apart by Katie Zhao.
Appearance was perfect Nothing left, a Web of lies Alone yet never Nobody knew it Unknown, everyone struggling Mentally harmful Betray or study Completed both, almost died Forgiven at last
I wrote these Haikus a while ago and I realised I never posted them on my blog. The simple format of haikus really lets you understand the basic message and sometimes simple is best. There is beauty to be found in the bare and of course my first book based poems had to be on How We Fall Apart by Katie Zhao.
Is there Queer Rep in These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong?
Yes, in the first couple chapters a character is introduced and hinted at being trans in a creative way, Kathleen is semi-main character and her queerness it is not mentioned much after that, it is just a part of her not her “only” personality trait which is unfortunately commonly done by numerous authors.
More lgbtqia+ characters are introduced as being queer in the thrilling sequel, “Our Violent Ends.”
The falling in love montage by Ciara Smyth
The falling in love montage by Ciara Smyth Trigger warning: dementia, trauma. Age rating: 13+ Overall rating: 5 out of 5. Genres: contemporary, romance (Sapphic). A spoiler free summary Saoirse wanted to do a couple simply things for the coming long summer holidays: go to parties, watch movies and kiss her troubles away with other girls. Saoirse feels like she deserves a break after dealing with the pain of her mother’s dementia and slowly getting over her ex, Hannah. Here comes Ruby, the most beautiful girl Saoirse has ever seen, but Saoirse is not ready to commit to another relationship. So Ruby, the romcom fan and optimist challenges Saoirse to try a summer romance, just like in the movies. But what could go wrong with a falling in love montage with an ending date? Review This was such a sweet sapphic romance to read. I liked the realness of it with its darker themes of the trauma of the main character, Saoirse. The novel was easy to dive into the world and it was written in first person of Saoirse which allows for the reader to really feel the feelings of what the main character is going through. There were points throughout the book where I wanted to shout at Saoirse to do something or communicate [yes, there is miscommunication but, in a way, where it makes sense, is done well and it’s not cringey]. The author added other elements such as illness, it’s nice to see the diversity in that way too. I personally cannot say if it’s an accurate depiction, but it is not the main focus of the story. The parents of Saoirse are quite involved in the plot of the story, which is a nice touch. I really enjoyed the relationships, especially Oliver and Saoirse frenemy type. I loved the aspect of the big movie moments Ruby and Saoirse had to tick off their list, as another plus the author refenced many real movies [many I didn’t get since I’m not a movie watcher], but I’m sure if you like movies, particularly romcoms it will make the book just a tad better and the author added a large list of movies called, “Saoirse and Ruby’s Rom-Com watchlist.” There was great character development, obviously Saoirse as well as other side characters. There is one small side character named Barbara or Barb and she is such a loveable character I honestly wished she was more involved in the novel. The writing was easy to understand but had a lot of depth and overall, I really enjoyed this book. Quotes “As a great philosopher once said: shake it off.” “Oh wisht. You think I could work in the business of love this long and not get some of that gaydar? I’ve known some brides in my day who shouldn’t have been marrying grooms, that’s for sure. You still get the odd one here and there who doesn’t know it yet, poor dears. I try and give them a hint, you know subtle, would you not like a nice pantsuit, dear. That sort of thing.” “Whether that relationship lasts a week or fifty years is not what makes it special.” Recommendation If you want a sapphic read with big movie moments this book is for you. This novel is light-hearted and heavy at the same time, filled moments that will make you want to shout and laugh. Pros: I love when authors add the reader into the acknowledgments, it makes the novel special. This was done in this book. There was sapphic rep and it wasn’t set in the US, nothing against the US but it’s nice to see a different location. Cons: Not too many I can think of in the moment, apart from a little more diversity in the race department [if there was it wasn’t clear], but I’m not sure if it’s a valid complaint/con, since there is diversity in other categories.
Enna Mari 